Press organisations decry media curbs

Three leading journalistic organisations have strongly condemned the ban imposed on media coverage of certain court cases, particularly the diplomatic cipher case.

These organisations view these restrictions as attempts to deprive people of their right to access information and have urged both Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to take immediate action on the issue.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), and the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) issued a joint statement on Thursday, expressing deep concern over such restrictive measures.

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Last week, a trial court placed a ban on media coverage of its proceedings that are based on allegations that former prime minister Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi violated the Official Secrets Act, 1923, by misusing a diplomatic cipher.

The journalistic organisations emphasised that such bans infringe upon the constitutional right of the people to access information. They highlighted the increasing pressure faced by media personnel and organisations from state institutions, including announced and unannounced censorship and restrictions on covering specific court cases and political events.

These measures, they argued, aimed to curb freedom of expression and access to information. "In this oppressive environment, the judiciary remains the only beacon of hope for providing relief to the people. However, if even this window of hope is closed, the situation might deteriorate further," the statement added.

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The PFUJ, CPNE, and AEMEND underscored that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and other state institutions have consistently pressured media organisations, creating an atmosphere of fear and constraint.

"Media organisations encounter new, illegal, and unannounced restrictions on a daily basis. Such a situation is unacceptable, as the public has the right to be informed about ongoing events through the media," the organisations asserted.

The PFUJ, CPNE, and AEMEND reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding freedom of expression.
"[We] are determined to fight for freedom of expression and will pursue all legal avenues to address these issues. [We] are initiating consultations with stakeholders in this regard," the statement said.